Help with Itinerary - France(Paris) and SPain
Dec 8th, 2019, 08:36 PM
#21
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Cordoba I am planning to cover as a daytrip from Seville.
Some other day trips I am thinking
Madrid - Toledo
Barcelona - Monsterrat, Girona
Lisbon-Sintra
Dec 8th, 2019, 08:44 PM
#22
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Sorry -- I'd forgotten that you mentioned your intention to visit Cordoba.
IMO, those day trips are all worthwhile. Actually, although many people visit them as day trips, I think Toledo and Cordoba each warrant an overnight stay, and maybe even 2 nights. Same with Girona (which I loved, but wouldn't put in the same league.) I'm just not sure you have enough time to fit them all in. Your time in Barcelona and Madrid is exceedingly short, IMO, and your time in Granada and Sevilla/Cordoba barely sufficient. Whether they'll work for you really depends on what you want to see and experience.
Particularly if you enjoy meticulous planning, I would think you would benefit from getting into the details sooner rather than later. It's really the only way to decide whether you can fit Lisbon in or not.
IMO, those day trips are all worthwhile. Actually, although many people visit them as day trips, I think Toledo and Cordoba each warrant an overnight stay, and maybe even 2 nights. Same with Girona (which I loved, but wouldn't put in the same league.) I'm just not sure you have enough time to fit them all in. Your time in Barcelona and Madrid is exceedingly short, IMO, and your time in Granada and Sevilla/Cordoba barely sufficient. Whether they'll work for you really depends on what you want to see and experience.
Particularly if you enjoy meticulous planning, I would think you would benefit from getting into the details sooner rather than later. It's really the only way to decide whether you can fit Lisbon in or not.
Last edited by kja; Dec 8th, 2019 at 08:47 PM.
Dec 8th, 2019, 11:32 PM
#23
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Thanks, kja.
I want to start that ASAP. Any references would help.
However, I had very bad experiences with cheap European flights as there are lot of hidden charges like check-in baggage etc.
What is the best way to travel from Lisbon to Barcelona? I am guessing flight is the only feasible option.
Any recommendations on which flights?
I want to start that ASAP. Any references would help.
However, I had very bad experiences with cheap European flights as there are lot of hidden charges like check-in baggage etc.
What is the best way to travel from Lisbon to Barcelona? I am guessing flight is the only feasible option.
Any recommendations on which flights?
Dec 8th, 2019, 11:52 PM
#24
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"However, I had very bad experiences with cheap European flights as there are lot of hidden charges like check-in baggage etc."
European low-cost carriers don't have hidden charges. They must follow the strict regulations of the EU to be transparent about their fees and policies.
I travel a lot by European low-cost airlines since 2003 and never had to pay any hidden fees. Just make sure to spare a few minutes to read the baggage limits and fees and don't forget to check-in online(which is usally mandatory).
"What is the best way to travel from Lisbon to Barcelona? I am guessing flight is the only feasible option.
Any recommendations on which flights?"
Direct flight of TAP - Air Portugal or night train to Madrid and AVE(high-speed train) to Barcelona. Dinner in Lisbon, lunch in Barcelona and you even reduced your carbon footprint.
https://rail.cc/en/blog/night-train-irun-madrid-lisbon
https://www.seat61.com/international...n_to_Barcelona
European low-cost carriers don't have hidden charges. They must follow the strict regulations of the EU to be transparent about their fees and policies.
I travel a lot by European low-cost airlines since 2003 and never had to pay any hidden fees. Just make sure to spare a few minutes to read the baggage limits and fees and don't forget to check-in online(which is usally mandatory).
"What is the best way to travel from Lisbon to Barcelona? I am guessing flight is the only feasible option.
Any recommendations on which flights?"
Direct flight of TAP - Air Portugal or night train to Madrid and AVE(high-speed train) to Barcelona. Dinner in Lisbon, lunch in Barcelona and you even reduced your carbon footprint.
https://rail.cc/en/blog/night-train-irun-madrid-lisbon
https://www.seat61.com/international...n_to_Barcelona
Dec 9th, 2019, 01:38 AM
#25
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I travel around Europe all the time on low-cost carriers and have never, not once, encountered "hidden fees." It takes a few minutes to read their rules, though. And if you can't or won't comply with those rules, you'll pay extra. It's really quite simple.
Dec 9th, 2019, 05:01 AM
#26
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Sorry, I did not mean hidden charges actually. But it is anything but simple.
Everything is documented but it's not easy to find out particularly when you are flying first time.
think I paid $200 for not checking in online.
Also, i think I paid more than $150 for checked in baggage (online)
I think it's better to go for proper airlines than the low cost ones, to me it's not worth the hassle.
For example, for my international flight, I am allowed 2*23 kgs as checkin baggage per passenger.
Now, lets see the cost of the same for a TAP flight from Lisbon to Barcelona.
TAP checked in baggage fees
If you check the above link, for 2 baggages up to 23kgs, you have to pay minimum of 40USD+70USD = 110 USD during pre-purchase and 135 USD during online checkin.
I don't know how this is low-cost to be honest and how this works for international travelers coming from a different continent who will have heavy baggage.
If you check the vueling website (Vueling checkin baggage ), it says only 1 baggage up to 25 kgs allowed per passenger.
Though the cost is pretty low ($15 per bag), what happens if I have 2 bags? Will it not be allowed in the flight or how much I need to pay?
May be someone can help. Is there any other airlines, I should be checking?
It is due to these reasons I am pretty scared to travel in these low cost airlines.
When you are having the time of your lives, a bad flight experience can spoil the mood.
Train is definitely a better option and the overnight train does sound pretty interesting and fun
Everything is documented but it's not easy to find out particularly when you are flying first time.
think I paid $200 for not checking in online.
Also, i think I paid more than $150 for checked in baggage (online)
I think it's better to go for proper airlines than the low cost ones, to me it's not worth the hassle.
For example, for my international flight, I am allowed 2*23 kgs as checkin baggage per passenger.
Now, lets see the cost of the same for a TAP flight from Lisbon to Barcelona.
TAP checked in baggage fees
If you check the above link, for 2 baggages up to 23kgs, you have to pay minimum of 40USD+70USD = 110 USD during pre-purchase and 135 USD during online checkin.
I don't know how this is low-cost to be honest and how this works for international travelers coming from a different continent who will have heavy baggage.
If you check the vueling website (Vueling checkin baggage ), it says only 1 baggage up to 25 kgs allowed per passenger.
Though the cost is pretty low ($15 per bag), what happens if I have 2 bags? Will it not be allowed in the flight or how much I need to pay?
May be someone can help. Is there any other airlines, I should be checking?
It is due to these reasons I am pretty scared to travel in these low cost airlines.
When you are having the time of your lives, a bad flight experience can spoil the mood.
Train is definitely a better option and the overnight train does sound pretty interesting and fun
Last edited by aadi007; Dec 9th, 2019 at 05:04 AM.
Dec 9th, 2019, 05:34 AM
#27
Why do you need that much luggage? I travel for months at a time with one 11 kg bag and a day bag.
The best way to connect Madrid and Lisbon is the night train. Why are you backtracking to Barcelona? Fly into Barcelona and out of Madrid or Lisbon (Where are you flying from?)
The best way to connect Madrid and Lisbon is the night train. Why are you backtracking to Barcelona? Fly into Barcelona and out of Madrid or Lisbon (Where are you flying from?)
Dec 9th, 2019, 07:49 AM
#28
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Why do you need that much luggage? I travel for months at a time with one 11 kg bag and a day bag.
The best way to connect Madrid and Lisbon is the night train. Why are you backtracking to Barcelona? Fly into Barcelona and out of Madrid or Lisbon (Where are you flying from?)
The best way to connect Madrid and Lisbon is the night train. Why are you backtracking to Barcelona? Fly into Barcelona and out of Madrid or Lisbon (Where are you flying from?)
I travel pretty light but my wife not so much.
Anyways, I am traveling from India and the connections to Lisbon are not that great and I am checking various flight options.
Possible route options
If I get a suitable flight into Lisbon
Option 1 --> Lisbon - Madrid (overnight train) - Granda (train) - Seville (train)- Barcelona(train)
Option 2--> Lisbon - Seville (bus) - Granda (train) - Madrid (train) - Barcelona (train)
If I don't get a suitable flight into Lisbon -
Option 3--> Madrid - Lisbon (train) - Seville (bus) - Granada (train) - Madrid (train) - Barcelona (train)
Option 4-->Madrid - Lisbon (train) - Seville (bus) - Granada (train) - Barcelona (train)
Which option do you suggest between 1 and 2 OR 3 and 4?
How is the bus from Seville to Lisbon?
Dec 9th, 2019, 07:54 AM
#29
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Sorry, but it IS that simple. The website for every low-cost airline in Europe spells out exactly what the cost is for each and every possible add-on. There's no reason to show up at the airport and be surprised.
I don't know what you mean by "proper airlines," but if it's what I think you mean, you're not going to save any money with them, either. And it's entirely possible to have a nightmare trip on a "proper airline," too. I've had quite a few. OTOH I've flown EasyJet dozens of times and never had an issue. I once paid 40 euros for an extra bag, but I knew that was going to happen ahead of time and it was worth it to me to bring something special home from Morocco. On that trip, where we were gone for 7 weeks, other than the special extra bag I had only one 21" roller suitcase and a day bag and did just fine.
I'd rather shoot myself in the foot than take an overnight train, but that's a personal decision. You might like it.
I don't know what you mean by "proper airlines," but if it's what I think you mean, you're not going to save any money with them, either. And it's entirely possible to have a nightmare trip on a "proper airline," too. I've had quite a few. OTOH I've flown EasyJet dozens of times and never had an issue. I once paid 40 euros for an extra bag, but I knew that was going to happen ahead of time and it was worth it to me to bring something special home from Morocco. On that trip, where we were gone for 7 weeks, other than the special extra bag I had only one 21" roller suitcase and a day bag and did just fine.
I'd rather shoot myself in the foot than take an overnight train, but that's a personal decision. You might like it.
Dec 9th, 2019, 07:59 AM
#30
Some overnight trains are great, some are not.... Suggest reading up on this one here: https://www.seat61.com/international...Spain-Portugal
I always prefer the train to the bus.
I always prefer the train to the bus.
Dec 9th, 2019, 06:06 PM
#33
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Dec 9th, 2019, 08:47 PM
#34
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Sorry, I did not mean hidden charges actually. But it is anything but simple.
Everything is documented but it's not easy to find out particularly when you are flying first time.
think I paid $200 for not checking in online.
Also, i think I paid more than $150 for checked in baggage (online)
I think it's better to go for proper airlines than the low cost ones, to me it's not worth the hassle.
For example, for my international flight, I am allowed 2*23 kgs as checkin baggage per passenger.
Now, lets see the cost of the same for a TAP flight from Lisbon to Barcelona.
TAP checked in baggage fees
If you check the above link, for 2 baggages up to 23kgs, you have to pay minimum of 40USD+70USD = 110 USD during pre-purchase and 135 USD during online checkin.
I don't know how this is low-cost to be honest and how this works for international travelers coming from a different continent who will have heavy baggage.
If you check the vueling website (Vueling checkin baggage ), it says only 1 baggage up to 25 kgs allowed per passenger.
Though the cost is pretty low ($15 per bag), what happens if I have 2 bags? Will it not be allowed in the flight or how much I need to pay?
May be someone can help. Is there any other airlines, I should be checking?
It is due to these reasons I am pretty scared to travel in these low cost airlines.
When you are having the time of your lives, a bad flight experience can spoil the mood.
Train is definitely a better option and the overnight train does sound pretty interesting and fun
Everything is documented but it's not easy to find out particularly when you are flying first time.
think I paid $200 for not checking in online.
Also, i think I paid more than $150 for checked in baggage (online)
I think it's better to go for proper airlines than the low cost ones, to me it's not worth the hassle.
For example, for my international flight, I am allowed 2*23 kgs as checkin baggage per passenger.
Now, lets see the cost of the same for a TAP flight from Lisbon to Barcelona.
TAP checked in baggage fees
If you check the above link, for 2 baggages up to 23kgs, you have to pay minimum of 40USD+70USD = 110 USD during pre-purchase and 135 USD during online checkin.
I don't know how this is low-cost to be honest and how this works for international travelers coming from a different continent who will have heavy baggage.
If you check the vueling website (Vueling checkin baggage ), it says only 1 baggage up to 25 kgs allowed per passenger.
Though the cost is pretty low ($15 per bag), what happens if I have 2 bags? Will it not be allowed in the flight or how much I need to pay?
May be someone can help. Is there any other airlines, I should be checking?
It is due to these reasons I am pretty scared to travel in these low cost airlines.
When you are having the time of your lives, a bad flight experience can spoil the mood.
Train is definitely a better option and the overnight train does sound pretty interesting and fun
What you're seeing isn't low cost versus high cost it's just normal for short hops on European airlines. Currently you'll find it next to impossible to find anybody including checked bag and a huge carry on on those short flights. It just not something the majority of passengers want or need. So why pay for it?
Now they all offer add ons. So you can get a checked bag in addition to your carry on(s)
If you're saying you're traveling with two large checked bags and a carry on per passenger how are you going to manage getting on and off trains? I don't think the bus driver will even allow you on the bus. Even one large checked bag and one cabin bag can be a hassle.
Dec 10th, 2019, 06:30 AM
#35
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Thanks everyone, I think I am close to the finalized plan, I am going with option 2.
Day 1- fly into Lisbon
Day 2- Lisbon
Day 3 - Lisbon, day trip to Sintra
Day 4- Lisbon to Seville by bus/car, overnight Seville
Day 5 - Seville
Day 6 - day trip to Cordoba, overnight Seville
Day 7 - Seville to Granada (train), overnight Granada
Day 8 - Granada
Day 9 - Granda to Madrid, overnight Madrid
Day 10 - Madrid,
Day 11- day trip to Toledo, overnight Madrid
Day 12 - Madrid to Barcelona (train), Barcelona
Day 13 - Barcelona
Day 14- Bacelona, day trip to Girona/Monsterrat
Day 15 - Barcelona
Day 16 - fly back.
I think this should work for us. Any feedback regarding the bus from Lisbon to Seville?
ALso, it seems there are some door to door car services like the below, seems like a good option though a bit costly.
https://www.viator.com/tours/Seville...d556-108204P14
Day 1- fly into Lisbon
Day 2- Lisbon
Day 3 - Lisbon, day trip to Sintra
Day 4- Lisbon to Seville by bus/car, overnight Seville
Day 5 - Seville
Day 6 - day trip to Cordoba, overnight Seville
Day 7 - Seville to Granada (train), overnight Granada
Day 8 - Granada
Day 9 - Granda to Madrid, overnight Madrid
Day 10 - Madrid,
Day 11- day trip to Toledo, overnight Madrid
Day 12 - Madrid to Barcelona (train), Barcelona
Day 13 - Barcelona
Day 14- Bacelona, day trip to Girona/Monsterrat
Day 15 - Barcelona
Day 16 - fly back.
I think this should work for us. Any feedback regarding the bus from Lisbon to Seville?
ALso, it seems there are some door to door car services like the below, seems like a good option though a bit costly.
https://www.viator.com/tours/Seville...d556-108204P14
Dec 12th, 2019, 01:46 AM
#36
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Everyone,
I have decided to drop Lisbon and focus on Spain only.
I think Spain being such a diverse and vast country, deserves 2 full weeks.
This is what I am thinking as the itinerary -
madrid (3N) - Granda (2N) - Seville (3N) - Barcelona (4N) = total 12 nights.
So, I can definitely add a couple of more nights. Where should I add more?
Considering Barcelona has more day trips, I might add 1N in Barcelona and may be 1N in Seville.
Please suggest.
I have decided to drop Lisbon and focus on Spain only.
I think Spain being such a diverse and vast country, deserves 2 full weeks.
This is what I am thinking as the itinerary -
madrid (3N) - Granda (2N) - Seville (3N) - Barcelona (4N) = total 12 nights.
So, I can definitely add a couple of more nights. Where should I add more?
Considering Barcelona has more day trips, I might add 1N in Barcelona and may be 1N in Seville.
Please suggest.
Dec 12th, 2019, 07:50 AM
#37
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Everyone,
I have decided to drop Lisbon and focus on Spain only.
I think Spain being such a diverse and vast country, deserves 2 full weeks.
This is what I am thinking as the itinerary -
madrid (3N) - Granda (2N) - Seville (3N) - Barcelona (4N) = total 12 nights.
So, I can definitely add a couple of more nights. Where should I add more?
Considering Barcelona has more day trips, I might add 1N in Barcelona and may be 1N in Seville.
Please suggest.
I have decided to drop Lisbon and focus on Spain only.
I think Spain being such a diverse and vast country, deserves 2 full weeks.
This is what I am thinking as the itinerary -
madrid (3N) - Granda (2N) - Seville (3N) - Barcelona (4N) = total 12 nights.
So, I can definitely add a couple of more nights. Where should I add more?
Considering Barcelona has more day trips, I might add 1N in Barcelona and may be 1N in Seville.
Please suggest.
Dec 12th, 2019, 05:40 PM
#38
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FWIW, I've spent about 2 month in Spain and have seen at most half of what I would consider it's highlights -- and I travel HARD, on the go every possible moment.
Here are my rough guidelines for time for each of these places:
- Madrid: 4 full days + 2 full days for Toledo + whatever time you want for Segovia, Avila, Caceras, etc.
- Granada: 2 full days (3 nights) for the Alhambra (1 day) and at least a few of Granada's other treasures.
- Sevilla: 3 full days + 2 full days for Cordoba
- + while in Andalusia, a few nights for Ronda or Malaga or ...
- Barcelona: 5 full days + time for Montserrat, Girona (better with an overnight), Tarragona, and/or other nearby sights.
Last edited by kja; Dec 12th, 2019 at 05:43 PM.
Dec 13th, 2019, 05:19 AM
#39
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Thanks for the advice..
kja However, I don't have the time or money to go as per your suggestion as it will need a month or so.
I am planning to book the flight tickets tonight for a 14 night stay.
I will land in Barcelona and fly back from Madrid.
Now, need to finalize the place of stay and duration in order to start booking the hotels.
I am trying to avoid 1-night stay and too many hotels - I find it much easier to do a day trip than checkin and checkout of a hotel.
Other than the 4 places I am staying, the other places of interest are -
Toldeo
Segovia
Girona
Cordoba
Ronda
Some questions - Can Toledo and Segovia can be done in a day trip? (know its a long day). I am guessing we will need local guides for these places
For the day trip to Cordoba from Seville, is it better to do a guided tour including bus?
Same question for Girona and Ronda - guided tour or self-guided?
Also, I like walking tours in the cities/towns. Please recommend.
Which regions/neighbourhood in the cities I should stay?
ANy hotel recommendations?
kja However, I don't have the time or money to go as per your suggestion as it will need a month or so.
I am planning to book the flight tickets tonight for a 14 night stay.
I will land in Barcelona and fly back from Madrid.
Now, need to finalize the place of stay and duration in order to start booking the hotels.
I am trying to avoid 1-night stay and too many hotels - I find it much easier to do a day trip than checkin and checkout of a hotel.
Other than the 4 places I am staying, the other places of interest are -
Toldeo
Segovia
Girona
Cordoba
Ronda
Some questions - Can Toledo and Segovia can be done in a day trip? (know its a long day). I am guessing we will need local guides for these places
For the day trip to Cordoba from Seville, is it better to do a guided tour including bus?
Same question for Girona and Ronda - guided tour or self-guided?
Also, I like walking tours in the cities/towns. Please recommend.
Which regions/neighbourhood in the cities I should stay?
ANy hotel recommendations?
Dec 13th, 2019, 05:08 PM
#40
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T
kja I don't have the time or money to go as per your suggestion as it will need a month or so.
kja I don't have the time or money to go as per your suggestion as it will need a month or so.
I didn't use a guide for ANY of these locations, and if I missed anything, I don't know of it. I read my guide books, any one of which would include what you need to know, and some of which provide truly excellent coverage.
